The Cousins...

are making me very,

very excited for some

some pink around the house.

Bri, Beth, and Sadie- I love, love, love ya! Aunt Kam

The Cousins: A Reunion Tour

Guess who's in town? Gunnar is loving spending more time and playing with the cousins, only this time it is on his home court.

Anyone else love fun dip?

These green tongues also remind me of a series that used to be on tv called V. Anyone remember it? It was about these lizard creatures that lived inside humans. I was terrifingly fascinated to it. I watch a few shows that gave me the worst nightwares and landed me in bed with my parents for weeks. I wasn't allowed to watch V again after that. Funny how all those creepy memories rushed back when I saw these lizard tongues.

More fun from the family coming soon-

Rest Your Head Close to my Heart, Never to Part, Baby of Mine

Several years ago when I was particularly homesick for my mom, a teaching colleague of mine in whom I had confided shared, "No one loves you like your mother."

So true.

There was something very magical about the time I spent with Annika and her new baby, Brooks Braden.

Their family has a tradition that boys have double B names, first and middle. (Isn't that a name made for a lawyer, a doctor, a CEO, a really great front-man for a boy band? I love it! ;)) It is so masculine and strong, yet hip and cool. Excellence choice.

I loved the way she held him close and spoke so tenderly to him. He is barely a month old but the respect she was already showing her son was very endearing. Annika, you were made to be a mother. Your confidence at this new chapter in your life was refreshing and encouraging. I was impressed with your attitude and optimism towards motherhood and family. Brooks is a very lucky little boy to have you as an example, mother, and friend in his life.

I loved his little hands in both of these, especially the second where he is holding mom's. The trust between a baby and new parent is so remarkably deep, the responsibility so tremendous, the love so profound. It is hard to imagine what love really is before knowing a baby that is part of you.

Brooks really is a very mellow baby. He only got an attitude with me once, but it was such a cute attitude I let it slide. ;)

He really was quite expressive.

My favorite expression was this one; I think Annika and Brett will see it often. Like, right before he does something he knows he isn't supposed to do but wants to try anyway. Or right after he has just accomplished something he thought was a really good idea.

I love little boys so much. Their energy is resplendant. I also love how each little baby comes with his own spirit; a pre-destined make-up for life. This baby is going to be full of personality and good fun.

But for now he is a tender kiss from Heaven.

I memorized the lyrics to this song years ago. I am not sure why I memorized them, but I did and I love them and their tender sentiment.

"Baby mine, don't you cry

Baby mine, dry your eyes

Rest your head close to my heart

Never to part, baby of mine

Little one when you play

Don't you mind what you say

Let those eyes sparkle and shine

Never a tear, baby of mine

If they knew sweet little you

They'd end up loving you too

All those same people who scold you

What they'd give just for

The right to hold you

From your head to your toes

You're not much, goodness knows

But you're so precious to me

Cute as can be, baby of mine."

Annika understands time with her son; she was drinking in every moment and didn't want to be far from him; she is wise. Turning your back on a baby is like watching the clock jump passed days, weeks, months, lifetimes; they grow and change so quickly. Hold him close, Annika. Before you know it your baby will be a boy. Thank you, thank you a thousand times over for the opportunity to be with Brooks and to meet you. Your spirit and zest for life and mothering is charming, and your son, an ethereal treasure.

May you continue to love every moment of this... every moment of him...

Life's Beginning: A Very Tender Sneak Peek

It is always hard to say goodbye to a friend especially for me. I recieved word this week that someone close to my family experienced life's end. My heart has been aching at the shocking passing of a close family friend.

It was a refreshing gift to be able to spend some time today with a new mom and her sweet, brand-new baby. While I photographed and we chatted I couldn't help but wonder what life this little man would lead. What experiences he would have. What lives he would change. What love he would feel. What joy would he know.

I remarked silently on the fragility of life, the tenderness of breath, the delicate strings of existance.

Annika- Thank you for sharing your baby with me; it was a pleasure being surrounded by the newness of life.

Here's a sweet sneak from our shoot today. Stay tuned; more to come!

Sneak Peek and a Gunnie Funnie

We are almost ready for the big reveal. Only a few details left and the nursery will be open for viewing...

more to come...soon...

Yesterday I was shooting some pictures. Gunnar spent some time with his best gal, Kyle, while I was away. Kate told me something funny when I picked him up. Bobby, Gunnar's blanket, is definately on his last leg, but we keep giving him some tlc in hopes that he will make it another day. He isn't as attached to the blanket as he used to be but he still does like it to accompany us where ever we go. Anyway, Kate and Gunnar were talking about Bobby. Kate asked Gunnar what Bobby smelled like, because I am usually joking about how he smells like pee and disease.

Kate asked Gunnie what he smelled like and Gunnar said, "Pee-Pee."

Kate said, "Let me smell him."

Gunnar surrender Bobby momentarily. Kate took a whiff and replied, "No! He smells like soap." Gunnar stole him back, breathed Bobby in deeply and responded, "Nope. He smells like pee-pee."

That kid can sniff out his blanket anywhere.

Bobby is currently in the washing machine. I had to sneak him away during nap time.

Gunnar is having a fit right now over not having his blanket.

Apparently he prefers the pee-pee odor.

Remember When...

your major frustrations were with Playdough? Or the jelly on your face? Remember those days? I would take kid frustrations any day over adult ones. Any other takers?

More Catching Up...The Pre-Show: Jennie and Patrick's Wedding

I left for Utah on a Sunday morning at 6:00am. The Saturday before we had a wedding to attend. Our neighbors, who have become great friends, got married. I shot some pre-show wedding stuff for Jennie. It was fun to be able to spend some time with her before the ceremony.

Jennie and Patrick are married! Hooray!! We are so happy for them. We couldn't ask for better neighbors and friends on our street. It has been a joy to see them prepare for their special day, and it has been a pleasure to take some pictures of them along the way. I shot an engagement session with them, some non-bridals with Jennie and some pre-wedding shots before the big event. Jennie is an absolute sweetheart; taking these photographs and spending a little bit of time with her and her greatest gals was an absolute treat.

I loved her dress. The gown she first had in mind was completely different than the one she chose. When you try the dress on you just know. When it is your dress there is something magical that happens when it slips over your head in the dressing room and you see yourself in multiple reflections. Jennie's dress was stunning and perfect for her and personality.

Details...

She knew she wanted a tiarra, but took some convincing on the veil part; I am glad she opted for it. It is just kind of something you have to have at your wedding. ;)

Jennie's best friend Jen, her maid of honor, is also her hairdresser; she was busy that day. She did everyone's hair, including her own. Props to you Jen for all that work. (I am so sorry I didn't get a shot of you all dolled up. I had to go before your final appearance...)

What's wrong with it like this? ;)

I loved the little touches in the back.

And I am a sucker for flowers. In my next life I will learn to arrange them perfectly.

I also love it when brides choose a colorful shoe. It is so distinctive and fun. (The thought of wearing these makes my swollen feet ache, but they were still an excellent choice. I might ask to borrow them when I get my normal feet back. ;))

Jennie's bridal party was filled with gorgeous women; I could tell there was a great respect and love for her from the women who stood beside her on her wedding day.

This is Erica; she is another neighbor that I really, really like.

Why are they called bride's maids? I think they should be called Bride's Best Girls. Or Bride's Lovelies. Or Bride's Most Favorite People in the Whole World. Or the Bride's Women She Would Marry if They Were Men.

Jennie took her turn at the make up counter. Oh, great Mac God, how I love you.

Jennie had practiced with her make up artist before hand so they knew exactly what to do.

I am also a sucker for fake eyelashes. (Funny story. There was some down time with pictures and all the girls were done with their make up so the mac professional had some time for me. She had some extra eyelashes that I jumped on. I had to take more pictures after I was done and my eye kept rubbing against the back of my camera. My make up totally held up, but when I got in the car and took a look at myself I noticed that one of the eyelashes had started lifting. I was so so bummed. I headed to the drug store, even though I didn't have time but needed to remedy this crisis, for some special glue. They didn't have any. I laughed thinking about the scene in Freaky Friday when the "mom" was trying to fix her falsies. I figured if there had been glue that would have been me...they unfortunately didn't make it to the ceremony. Jennie's did, and that's all that matters.

I loved this picture.

I took this picture at the very end. I was running way late, and needed to get home to take care of Gunnar, pick up the babysitter, and get myself completely ready to be an attendee at the wedding. I was standing on a chair that spins and almost lost my balance before I snapped this final shot. It isn't nearly as sharp as I wanted it to be, but you still get a great idea of how beautiful she looked pre-dress. ;) (I know. Excuses. Excuses. There is always time to get a sharp picture, but that is really what happened. I swear it. ;))

TA-DA!!! The beautiful bride sans dress, shoes, jewelery and veil. ;)

Jennie and Pat- It was a beautiful wedding. Congratulations again. We are excited to be neighbors and to share in each others' lives. We are so happy for you. xoxo kam and fam

Some Catching-up to do: A Father's Day Surprise a Few Week's Late

I am home from Utah. I came home to several really great surprises!! ;) I will share those later. First some catching up to do...

A few weeks ago I posted something about how I had taken pictures that were meant to be a surprise. Here they are. ;)

This kind, good, and pretty mom

and her two boys

had a photo shoot to surprise Dad for Father's Day. (I meant to post this sooner, but was waiting for the green light from Shannon. I didn't know if you had seen them or not Bri. Sorry...;))

One son was very sweet, the entire time.

The other...

decided to be a flasher. ;)

Seriously, both boys are so sweet and I know their Daddy is a very special part of their life. That's why I thought this was such a great idea as a gift!

We have know their family for a few years now; Shannon and I became immediate friends. We have much in common and I found a certain comfortableness with her instantaneously. She is a teacher too so we were able to share war stories, and found we had similar creative interests as well. I have always enjoyed her company and our conversations. When we don't chat for a while we pick back up right where we left off.

We had our first babies close together too. She was a great mom to turn to for advice. I remember holding Braden right after he was born and marveling at how much he looked like his dad. It is so amazing to me how similar we are to our parents yet how different our spirits can be. Brian, the ultra cool dad and father who was gifted these photographs, looks just like this, only a bit older. ;)

I loved this one. He was becoming so bored with all the picture taking. I love how kids are so transparent and just tell it or show it like it is.

He too, like most young boys loves trains. He was worried that another one wasn't coming. It was so smart to shoot where we did. He loved seeing the trains pass by, and that helped keep him still, at least for a minute. ;)

Braden loves his mommy almost as much as he love trains.

Tanner came to the family next. He is such a mellow baby. (I hope our second is the same. ;))

He was totally cool going along for the ride.

They are lucky to have eachother. There is something really cool about brothers.

Our shoot wasn't without a few mommy moments. You mothers out there will understand this perfectly. ;) Shannon was such a good sport; pictures can be hard enough with two littles, but without extra hands...phewww. She did a great job juggling.

She was able to wrangle everyone in for some pictures for dad.

Brian,

Happy Father's Day a few weeks late. You are lucky your schedule allows you so much time with your family; that is something I have always been envious of: how much you have been able to see your boys grow. That is a gift. You are such an outstanding father to these boys and such a sweet husband to Shannon. Jaren and I have always admired you and enjoyed your relaxed, helpful, and jovial attitude. Your family is special, but you already knew that. ;) May each day feel like Father's Day to you!!